February 2nd is Wetlands Day
February 2nd is Wetlands Day, with the aim of raising awareness among the global population about the importance of these ecosystems for biodiversity, climate balance and human well-being. The date marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, an international treaty for the protection and sustainable use of wetlands.
What are wetlands?
Wetlands include areas such as marshes, mangroves, lagoons, ponds, deltas, floodplains and coastal areas, which play a key role in regulating the climate, storing carbon and providing freshwater. These ecosystems are home to a rich biodiversity and are essential for the survival of many endangered species.
Threats and challenges:
Wetlands face increasing threats such as urbanization, pollution, climate change and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. It is estimated that around 35% of the world's wetlands have disappeared in recent decades, exacerbating problems such as floods, droughts and the loss of habitats for unique species.
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